Scent effusing devices

ABSTRACT

Described are scent effusing devices with directional diffusion of a scented composition. A scented composition is held within the scent effusing device in a position that is in close proximity to a portion of the scent effusing device most likely to be smelled by a user. Visual cues on the exterior of the scent effusing device draw a user&#39;s attention to the area with the strongest scent. As the concentration of the scented composition is reduced over time, the visual cue will draw the user to an area where detectable levels of scent are still present, even if other areas have dropped below a detectable threshold.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/197,375, filed on Jul. 27, 2015 and entitled SCENT EFFUSING DEVICES, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

RELATED FIELDS

The field of the invention relates to scent effusing devices.

BACKGROUND

Scented items are popular consumer goods. Some scented items are desirable simply for their use in providing a pleasant aroma, as with potpourri or other devices that emanate a scent into the surrounding environment. Other products, such as decorative items, novelty items, or toys, may be scented to add an additional element to the user experience.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to scent effusing devices such as novelty items, decorative items, or toys, which locate a scented composition within a permeable packet in an asymmetric position within the device. The asymmetric position, which may be maintained by affixing the permeable packet to the outer layer of the device and/or by packing the device with a material to prevent shifting of the permeable packet, gives a directional aspect to the diffusion of the scent from the device. The scent emanating from the device will be strongest in an area closest to the location of the permeable packet. The scent effusing device also includes a visual cue that draws a user's attention to a location with a stronger scent profile. As a result, the device will maintain detectable levels of scent in the area surrounding the visual cue for a longer period of time. Directing a user to smell the area of the device with the strongest scent profile results in an improved perception of performance over time.

The present disclosure also relates to packaging that helps to prevent loss of the scented composition to the environment during storage, shipment, and delays in use. The impermeable package may include multiple caps which are sealed by a sealing membrane. The use of two or more caps allows for a false top to the package. The false top may then be used to support or otherwise contain the scent effusing device without compromising the seal of the outer cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a scent effusing device.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a scent effusing device.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a scent effusing device.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the scent effusing device of FIG. 1, partially disassembled.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a partially disassembled scent effusing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows an impermeable package in a disassembled condition.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the impermeable package of FIG. 6 in an assembled condition.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a package body with a support and desiccant can.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner cap of the impermeable package of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the outer cap of the impermeable package of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a partially assembled version of the impermeable package of FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fully assembled version of the impermeable package of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

FIGS. 1-3 are front elevation views of certain exemplary embodiments of a scent effusing device 1 that includes an outer layer 10 with a visual cue 14. The outer layer 10 may serve as the final diffusion barrier for a scent emanating from the scent effusing device 1 and may also optionally serve as a retaining structure for any interior components or filling material present within the scent effusing device 1. The outer layer 10 may comprise paper, plastic, other polymers, woven material, or any other material which is porous or semi-porous or otherwise allows the diffusion of a scent compound or scented composition from the inside of the scent effusing device 1 to the external environment.

The outer layer 10 may serve as or otherwise include an outer decorative element for the scent effusing device 1, or may serve as the underlying structure for other decorative elements. The scent effusing device 1 may also comprise appendages 15 designed to provide additional aesthetic elements to the scent effusing device 1. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the appendages 15 may be limbs, caricature accessories such as a hat or items of clothing, or other decorative items that complete the overall aesthetic design of the scent effusing device 1. The outer layer 10, appendages 15, and/or any other portions of the exterior or interior of the scent effusing device 1 may comprise a nap or pile. In certain cases, a clip 13 may also be attached to the outer layer 10 to allow the scent effusing device 1 to be attached to a backpack, belt, or other items. The clip 13 may also comprise a key ring or other attachment devices to use the scent effusing device 1 as a key ring or to secure it to other small items.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, the scent effusing device 1 may comprise a visual cue 14 to draw a user's attention to a particular area or portion of the outer layer 10 of the scent effusing device 1. The visual cue, which may take on any form, shape, texture, or color, may comprise a bull's-eye, target, arrows, text, or other visual markers. In certain cases, the visual cue 14 may comprise eyes 16 alone or in combination with a mouth 17 or other facial features to form a face. In some cases, the visual cue 14 may be printed, glued, adhered to, painted, embroidered, or otherwise attached or added to the outer layer 10 of the scent effusing device 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views of a partially disassembled scent effusing device 1. The outer layer 10 has been opened to show the internal structure and layout of the internal components of the scent effusing device 1. The outer layer 10 comprises an inner surface 11 and an outer surface 12. The outer surface 12 may constitute all or a portion of the decorative design of the scent effusing device 1, and provides attachment points for the appendages 15 and/or the clip 13. The outer surface 12 of the outer layer 10 also comprises the visual cue 14 or the underlying structure for the visual cue 14.

The scent effusing device 1 contains a permeable packet 20 disposed asymmetrically within the outer layer 10. The permeable packet 20 is located in close proximity to the inner surface 11 of the outer layer 10 in or near the same location as the visual cue 14 on the outer surface 12. In certain embodiments, the outer layer 10 may also retain a filler material 22, such as, but not limited to, foam, cotton, or random entangled fibers. The filler material 22 may improve location stability and/or help maintain the asymmetric positioning of the permeable packet 20 by preventing any shifting or dislocation of the permeable packet 20. In the case of a plush or otherwise non-rigid scent effusing device 1, the filler material 22 may also give shape and volume to the outer layer 10 and/or scent effusing device 1. In certain cases, the permeable packet 20 may be secured to the inner surface 11 of the outer layer 10 by stitches 23. In some cases, the permeable packet 20 may be secured to the inner surface 11 of the outer layer 10 by adhesive, fasteners, or other securing means.

The permeable packet 20 may be a small capsule, bag, or other retention device that contains a scented composition. In certain cases, the scented composition may be held within a capsule, pellets, liquid reservoir, or any other mechanism or structure intended to hold and diffuse the scented composition.

During normal use the asymmetric position of the permeable packet 20 will provide a directional aspect to the diffusion of the scented composition from the scent effusing device 1. The diffusion pathway for the scented composition will be shorter and may have fewer barriers to diffusion in the direction of the visual cue 14 because it is located relatively closer to the permeable packet 20 than other portions of the outer layer 10. The scented composition will be most easily detected by a user in the vicinity of the visual cue 14. As the concentration of scented composition within the scent effusing device 1 is reduced over time, the amount of scented composition diffusing out of any particular portion of the outer layer 10 of the scent effusing device 1 will eventually fall below a threshold where a user can no longer detect it. However portions of the outer layer 10 that are in closest proximity to the permeable packet 20 will maintain levels of the scented composition above the detection threshold for the longest period of time.

The visual cue 14 is designed to draw the user's attention to that point on the scent effusing device 1 that is closest to the permeable packet 20. Because the permeable packet 20 is located relatively closer to the visual cue 14, the diffusion pathway of the scented composition will be shortest, giving the highest concentration of the scented composition and strongest scent in this location. As the concentration of the scented composition within the scent effusing device 1 lowers over time, the level of scented composition diffusing through the outer layer 10 will also become lower. However, the asymmetric location of the permeable packet 20 within the scent effusing device 1 will lead to asymmetric diffusion through the outer layer 10. Portions of the outer layer 10 which are in closest proximity to the permeable packet 20 will maintain detectable levels of scented composition diffusing through the outer layer 10 longer than portions of the outer layer 10 which are located relatively further away from the permeable packet 20.

To take advantage of the asymmetric release of the scented composition through the scent effusing device 1, the visual cue 14 is configured to draw the attention of the user to the area of the outer layer 10 with the highest detectable levels of the scented composition. For example, in the case of a scent effusing device 1 which is a plush caricature as shown in FIGS. 1-3, a user is more likely to smell the scent effusing device 1 at or near the visual cue 14, in this case the eyes 16, or the combination of eyes 16 and mouth 17 to make a face. The visual cue 14 draws the attention of the user to the area of the outer layer 10 which is in closest proximity to the permeable packet 20. The user, who's attention may be fixated on the visual cue 14, is likely to either pick up the scent effusing device 1 and bring it in close proximity to their nose while focusing on the visual cue 14, or to approach the scent effusing device 1 with the visual cue 14 as their target. Since the eyes of most users may be relatively close to their nose, the user will be in a position to detect the strongest concentration of scented composition diffusing out of the scent effusing device 1. The result is the user retaining the ability to detect the scented composition from the scent effusing device 1 for a longer period of time than with symmetrical diffusion.

Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the scent effusing device 1 may comprise a number of modifications or alterations to enhance or assist the directional asymmetry of diffusion of the scented composition through the outer layer 10. For example, the filler material 22 may be impermeable or resist diffusion of the scented composition. In certain embodiments, the outer layer 10 may have a coating, lining, or be comprised of multiple materials such that diffusion of scent may only occur through the outer layer 10 at a location at or near the visual cue 14.

FIGS. 6-9 are perspective views of the components of an impermeable package 30 with multiple sealing measures. The impermeable package 30 comprises a package body 31 with an enclosure 32 and an aperture 33, an inner cap 34 with a concave surface 35, convex surface 36, and optional hooks 37, and an outer cap 41 with a concave surface 41, a convex surface 42, and an optional tab 43. The package body 31, inner cap 34, and outer cap 40 may be assembled into a finished impermeable package 30 with multiple sealing features to completely or partially reduce the loss of a scented composition through the impermeable package 30.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, the package body 31 has an enclosure 32, which may be sized as desired or required to house a scent effusing device 1 (not shown). The package body 31 and enclosure 32 may include features, such as a base or support 39 to support the scent effusing device 1, or to otherwise locate or secure an item that is to be held within the enclosure 32. The package body 31 also features an aperture 33, which is sized and located to allow for insertion of a scent effusing device 1 or other items into the package body 31 before sealing. While the package body 31 may be made of any material and have any shape, size, configuration, or visual appearance, it is preferably made out of a material that is impermeable to the scented composition held within the scent effusing device 1. Similarly, the inner cap 34 and outer cap 40 may be made of materials similar to those of the package body 31. In some cases, the package body 31 may include a desiccant can 47 within or adjacent to the enclosure 32. The desiccant can 47 may remove humidity or other vapors present during manufacture or that enter the package body 31 later, so as to preserve the scent effusing device 1 and any scented composition contained therein.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inner cap 34 of the impermeable package 30. The inner cap 34 comprises a shape and size that is configured to fit within the aperture 32 of the package body. The inner cap 34 may have a generally cup-like shape with a concave surface 35 opposite to a convex surface 36. The inner cap 34 may also include hooks 37 located around the perimeter of the inner cap 34. The hooks 37 are configured to fit over the aperture 33 of the package body 31 such that the inner cap 34 may be placed within the aperture 33 and not fall into the enclosure 32 of the package body 31. In certain cases, the inner cap 34 may comprise a lip or other projections which interfere with the aperture 33 of the package body 31 to prevent the inner cap 34 from completely passing through the aperture 33. In some embodiments, the inner cap 34 may also comprise cap apertures 38. The cap apertures 38 may serve as a mounting point or pass through for other items. In some cases, the cap apertures 38 may serve as a pass through point for a string, cable, or other device to hold up or support the item to be held within the enclosure 32.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an outer cap 40 comprising a concave surface 41 and a convex surface 42. The outer cap 40 may also comprise a tab 43 that may be used as a handle or hook to hang the impermeable package 30, such as when a product is on display in a retail store. The outer cap 40 comprises a shape and size configured to fit over the aperture 33 of the package body 31 to cover both the inner cap 34 and the aperture 33 to fully cap the enclosure 32. The outer cap 40 may, in certain cases, share a similar geometry and shape to the inner cap 34 for any particular size and shape of the aperture 33 of the package body 31. The outer cap 40 may be slightly larger than the inner cap 34 and, when installed onto the aperture 33, may be oriented such that the concave or upper surface 35 of the inner cap 34 and the concave or lower surface 41 of the outer cap 40 are facing one another. Said differently and by way of example, the concave or upper surface 35 of the inner cap 34 and the concave or lower surface 41 of the outer cap 40 are aligned such that they enclose a volume when they are installed into and/or over the aperture 33 of the package body 31.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a partially assembled impermeable package 30 wherein the inner cap 34 has been installed into the aperture 33 of the package body 31. The inner cap 34 has been oriented such that the concave surface 35 is oriented upwards, away from the package body. The hooks 37 are wrapped around the edge of the aperture 33 to prevent the inner cap 34 from passing completely through the aperture 33 and falling into the package body 31.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fully assembled impermeable package 30 with the inner cap 34 installed into the aperture 33 of the package body 31 and the outer cap 40 installed over the aperture 33 of the package body 31. The outer cap 40 may overlap or abut with the package body 31 at or near the aperture 33 to create a seam 45 at their junction. The seam 45 may be sealed by a sealing membrane 46, which helps to prevent diffusion of the scented composition through the seam 45 or other joints between the package body 31, inner cap 34, and/or outer cap 40. The sealing membrane 46 may comprise a plastic, polymer, or other thin, flexible material that is impermeable to the scented composition to help completely seal the seam 45 and prevent dislocation of the outer cap 40 and/or inner cap 34. In some cases, the sealing membrane 46 may comprise an adhesive to prevent shifting or loosening of the sealing membrane 46.

Still referring to FIG. 12, the inner cap 34 and outer cap 40 are installed such that the concave or upper surface 35 of the inner cap 40 and the concave or lower surface 41 of the outer cap 40 face one another. The combination of the concave surfaces 35, 41 on the inner cap 34 and outer cap 40 forms a secondary enclosure 44. The inner cap 34 may then function as a false top to the enclosure 32. Since the outer cap 40 may function as the main sealing cap, the inner cap 34 may support the scent effusing device 1 by hanging it from the inner cap 34 or tethering it to the cap apertures 38 in the inner cap 34. In certain cases, the separation between the inner cap 34 and the outer cap 40 provides space within the secondary enclosure 44 to hold tethers, supports, or other means of holding the scent effusing device 1 in place within the enclosure 32.

Any of the above described components, parts, or embodiments may take on a range of shapes, sizes, or materials as necessary for a particular application of the described invention. The components, parts, or mechanisms of the described invention may be made of any materials selected for the suitability in use, cost, or ease of manufacturing. Materials including, but not limited to plastics, polymers, composites, fabrics, woven materials, glass, or paper may be used to form any of the above described components.

Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A scent effusing device comprising: an outer layer comprising an inner surface and an outer surface; a visual cue on the outer surface; a permeable packet secured to the inner surface adjacent the visual cue; and a scented composition disposed within the permeable packet.
 2. The scent effusing device of claim 1, further comprising a filler material disposed within the outer layer.
 3. The scent effusing device of claim 2, wherein the filler material substantially fills an interior of the scent effusing device.
 4. The scent effusing device of claim 2, wherein the filler material resists diffusion the scented composition.
 5. The scent effusing device of claim 3, wherein the filler material biases the permeable packet towards the visual cue.
 6. The scent effusing device of claim 1, wherein the permeable packet is stitched to the inner surface of the outer layer.
 8. The scent effusing device of claim 1, wherein the permeable packet comprises a mesh.
 9. The scent effusing device of claim 1, wherein the visual cue comprises eyes.
 10. The scent effusing device of claim 9, wherein the visual cue further comprises a face.
 11. The scent effusing device of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the outer layer comprises a decorative design.
 12. The scent effusing device of claim 11, wherein the outer surface further comprises nap or pile.
 13. The scent effusing device of claim 11, wherein the decorative design of the outer layer indicates a scent of the scented composition.
 14. The scent effusing device of claim 11, further comprising appendages extending outwardly from the outer surface.
 15. The scent effusing device of claim 1, further comprising a clip affixed to the outer layer.
 16. A packaged scented device comprising: an impermeable package comprising: a package body comprising an enclosure with an aperture; an inner cap; an outer cap; and a sealing membrane; wherein the inner cap is configured to fit within the aperture, the outer cap is configured to fit over the aperture forming a seam, and the sealing membrane overlaps the seam; and a scent effusing device disposed within the enclosure.
 17. The saleable scented device of claim 16, wherein the inner cap is configured to support the scent effusing device.
 18. The saleable scented device of claim 17, further comprising: at least one aperture in the inner cap for tethering the scent effusing device to the inner cap.
 19. The saleable scented device of claim 16, wherein the sealing membrane comprises a bonding agent.
 20. The saleable scented device of claim 16, further comprising inner cap hooks; wherein the inner cap hooks are configured to retain the inner cap in position within the aperture.
 21. The saleable scented device of claim 16, further comprising abase or support to locate the scent effusing device.
 22. The saleable scented device of claim 16, further comprising a desiccant can within the enclosure. 